“Significant loss” – Injury concern ahead of Athletic Club v Arsenal sets the scene for Tuesday’s opening European tie. Athletic Bilbao’s most dangerous wide player could be sidelined after picking up an adductor problem during Spain’s World Cup qualifier win over Turkey.
Williams was forced off before half-time and subsequently missed Athletic’s weekend La Liga fixture against Alavés. The 23-year-old had started the season brightly with a goal and two assists in three matches, continuing the form that saw him notch 11 goals and seven assists last term. His potential absence is a major concern as Ernesto Valverde prepares his side to face one of Europe’s most consistent teams.
Joseba Etxeberria: “A very significant loss”
Speaking to Deia, former Athletic star Joseba Etxeberria admitted Williams’ absence would be a blow but urged confidence in the rest of the squad.
“Yes. Nico is a player who makes difference, but Athletic has many alternatives, and despite being a very significant loss, they have players who can replace him, and I have absolute confidence.” — Joseba Etxeberria
Etxeberria, who made over 500 appearances for Athletic between 1995 and 2010 and now manages Real Murcia, also assessed the challenge Arsenal will pose at San Mamés.
Arsenal’s strength under Arteta
The Gunners arrive in Bilbao in strong form, having collected nine points from their first four league games and conceding only once, in a narrow defeat to Liverpool.
Etxeberria acknowledged that Mikel Arteta’s side are a formidable opponent:
“It’s very difficult, because they’re a team with very clear mechanisms. They’re a very dominant team, very well-developed. Arteta’s idea is perfectly executed because they’re a team that can do a lot of damage with positional attacks while in the opponent’s half. But at the same time, they mount extremely fast counterattacks. They’re a great team.” — Joseba Etxeberria
Despite this, he insisted San Mamés could provide the lift Athletic need.
San Mamés factor
The Basque club’s iconic stadium has long been regarded as one of Europe’s most intimidating venues. Etxeberria believes that home advantage gives Athletic a fighting chance even against stronger opposition:
“We have to be aware that Arsenal is a more powerful team than Athletic, but San Mamés is everything, and you never know what can happen.” — Joseba Etxeberria
The former winger made clear that his club should not settle for a draw before kick-off, arguing that confidence and ambition are key to competing on Europe’s biggest stage.
Analyst verdict – by John William
Nico Williams’ potential absence significantly reduces Athletic’s attacking threat. His pace, dribbling and direct play are central to their game plan, especially in transition. Without him, Valverde may turn to options like Álex Berenguer or Iñaki Williams shifting wide, but neither offers the same explosiveness.
For Arsenal, the opportunity is clear: dominate possession, exploit gaps, and avoid being unsettled by the San Mamés atmosphere. Yet history shows the Basques often rise to the occasion at home. If they can stay compact and aggressive, even without Nico, they may still pose problems.
Key insights
- Nico Williams is a major doubt with an adductor injury sustained for Spain.
- The winger has one goal and two assists in three games this season.
- Former star Etxeberria calls his absence “a very significant loss.”
- Arsenal have won three of four league games and conceded just once.
- San Mamés factor could inspire Athletic against superior opposition.
What’s next?
All eyes now turn to Tuesday night at San Mamés. If Williams is ruled out, Athletic’s tactical approach will change dramatically, with defensive organisation and counter-attacking options key.
For Arsenal, the fixture offers a chance to set the tone in Europe. Arteta’s men are seen as contenders to go deep in the competition — but overcoming the roar of San Mamés will be an early test of their mettle.
👉 Can Athletic upset Arsenal without Nico Williams, or will Arteta’s Gunners underline their European credentials in Bilbao?
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